Part 63 (1/2)

you don't bear a grudge against Greg personally. I don't

*know if I'd be that gracious.”

”Sometimes it can be hard to separate your personal feel-

ings when covering a story, but I got lots of practice at the

Times. The funny thing is, I've found it's even more chal-

*lenging here in Pine Mountain. I think it's because it's a small

* town, and I find myself so involved with all the people, but

I'm still trying to keep a balance.”

”That's good. Especially since people around here tend to

talk, if you know what I mean. Best to keep a level head.

Hey, speaking of that wetlands article, did you send a copy

to the Environmental Protection Agency or anyone else that

might be interested?”

Looking for You All My Life101

She winked at him. ”I'm not supposed to know, but dear

Abigail took care of all those little details-and anony-

mously too.” She broke off a piece of bread. ”Now, tell me,

Scott, where exactly are you at on that Ebbert story-is next

week too early to expect anything?”

He frowned. ”There's really not much to tell. I went out

to his place, and it didn't look like much more than a small

working ranch. Oh sure, he has a couple of compounds built

and a big flagpole next to the driveway, but I didn't see any-

thing unusual besides the rebel flag b.u.mper sticker on the

back of his pickup. No marching fanatics, no burning

crosses...